The BeanScene is a weekly rant about all things les-be-an. Topics of the week, thoughts in Sandy's head, local special events and nightly things to do for the younger lesbian crowd will be covered. If you have suggestions for Sandy, feel free to drop her a note.

Up Front

In the news and all over the blogosphere this week, Leisha Hailey, star of 'The L Word' and one-half of the band Uh Huh Her, took to her Twitter account, obviously upset after being kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight.

The reason? Kissing her fashion editor girlfriend Nina Garduno.

Now, in situations like these, I try to play fair and see both sides. When I first heard this story, I imagined some serious PDA taking place, hands roving, breaking out the "travel blanket," etc.

After all, it would have needed to be that extreme for the flight attendant to say that several passengers had complained and that their behavior was "excessive." I imagined myself being the person sitting next to the couple, keeping my eyes facing forward at all times or perhaps staring down awkwardly playing with the buttons on my shirt.

However, Hailey published a press release on her band’s web site yesterday, that changed my mind.

According to Hailey, she and Garduno shared one "modest" kiss and were on the plane less than five minutes. "We are responsible adult women who walk through the world with dignity. We were simply being affectionate like any other normal couple," Hailey stated.

After reading that, I imagined the type of person complaining on the flight as a Midwesterner who’s never known an LGBT person in his or her life, looking up from the pages of the latest Ann Coulter novel in shock and disgust.

It’s true that "excessive" is a subjective term. One person’s "too much" is usually another’s "not enough." But in a world where LGBT people fight to live comfortably just the way they are, and generally lead upstanding lives worthy of respect, it saddens me to no end that a couple of women who seem to be a great example of that, are immediately shutdown by homophobia.

I think we should take this as inspiration. If you have a girlfriend, make sure you hold her hand or kiss her out in the open this week. Let people look; and be proud of that.

The Weekly To-Do

To be honest, it doesn’t seem like there is much going on this weekend. But watch out, because next weekend is off the charts with events.

So, if you don’t feel like staying home to gear up for next weekend, I suggest a couple different things. I am a sucker for people watching at street fairs. Er go, La Mesa is having its annual Oktoberfest this weekend so that’s top on my list of things to check out. I spent about 15 years living in La Mesa, and they really know how to throw a street fair: Beer, carnival rides, beer, good food. Did I mention there’s two beer gardens? I’m sure it will be a real hootenanny.

This Saturday, New Belgium Brewing's Tour de Fat will roll into San Diego. If you like bikes and beers, this is the place for you this weekend. It is located in Golden Hill Park and their bike parade kicks off at 11 am, but get there early in your best costume, so you have time to register.

Judging by how many lesbians love their bikes, I'm guessing that this will be this weekend's winner.

Also this Saturday, the neighborhood of South Park is having its South Park Art/Oberfest Walkabout, when all the business near 30th and Juniper Streets stay open late, offering up food, live music, art shows, and more. But really, who needs more than that?

Or, if you feel like kicking off October with some campy, sexy fun, try checking out The Rocky Horror Show, which runs at The Old Globe Theatre throughout October until November 6.

Take note that on Oct. 6 at 6:30 pm, Out at the Globe will provide us LGBT Rocky Horror lovers with a hosted wine and martini bar, appetizers and door prizes for just $20 more than your theater ticket. RSVP at (619) 23-GLOBE.

The Venue Menu

Peruse this list at your leisure—these are the hottest lesbian nights around town.

Thursdays - Repent at Rich’s Nightclub.
Fridays – Soul Kiss at The Flame.
Saturdays – Femme Fatale at Numbers.
Sundays – Ladies Night at Bourbon Street.
All Day, Every Day – Check out the action at Gossip Grill.

Sandy Chase is a Staff Writer for SDGLN. She can currently be reached at sandychase85@gmail.com..